"OS X 10.9, which is internally codenamed 'Cabernet', will focus on various 'power-user' enhancements and take core features from iOS, according to our sources. Unlike operating system updates such as OS X Leopard and OS X Lion, OS X 10.9 will likely not be an overhauled approach to how the operating system feels and functions." Features for power users and features from iOS? Seems like an oxymoron. Still, if they manage to finally fix the Finder and Spaces, I'll be happy.

You're talking about the security of Windows' implementation, which has nil to do with how Apple might implement it. "

Yes, but I understand why Microsoft did it their way. If you are going to allow half the functions that Explorer allows, why not give them all? This is why I don't see Apple's approach as wrong - i.e. a file dialog is not Finder, so you must use the correct tool for the job.

Well, you *can* create folders by default (though it's possible some apps disable that feature), so that's not an issue - but do you really believe that renaming a file or indeed, copy and paste have any place in a file open/save dialog? Personally, I don't. I think, as I said earlier, if you have no preconceptions or expectations, Finder doesn't really cause too many issues. It's when you bring expectations from else where that it falls down. But then, Windows doesn't have Spaces, so for me it is less optimal to use. It's all down to personal preferences, as you also identified ;-)